This Easter ham and spinach quiche is a delightful blend of fluffy eggs, savory ham, and fresh spinach all tucked into a crunchy pie crust. It’s perfect for brunch or a tasty dinner!
I love how easy this quiche is to whip up, and it’s a great way to use leftover ham. You can serve it warm or cold, which makes it perfect for those busy holiday gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A pre-made crust saves time, but homemade crust can add a personal touch. If you’re gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free pie crust instead. My preference is a buttery crust for a bit of added flavor.
Ham: Easter ham gives great flavor, but you can use any cooked ham or even diced turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked to keep the dish safe and tasty.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach works if you’re in a pinch. Just thaw and drain well to remove excess water. I love using a mix of greens sometimes, like kale or Swiss chard, for added nutrients!
Cheese: Gruyère offers a rich flavor, but you can substitute with Swiss or cheddar. I often mix cheeses for deeper flavor—try combining cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey texture.
Half-and-Half: If you’re looking for a lighter option, use milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. For a creamier quiche, heavy cream works too, but adjust the quantity to taste.
How Do You Properly Blind Bake a Pie Crust?
Blind baking is important to keep your quiche crust from getting soggy. Here’s a quick guide:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out and place the pie crust into a pan, then prick it with a fork to allow air to escape.
- Cover the surface with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment to finish baking for an additional 2 minutes. Let it cool before adding your filling.
This step helps ensure your crust remains crispy and delicious, making for a perfect base for your quiche!
How to Make Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quiche:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (preferably Easter ham)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar work well)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need a bit of time to let it cool before slicing. So, plan for about an hour in total to enjoy this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for the quiche when you’re finished preparing it.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out the pre-made pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie plate or quiche pan. If the edges are hanging over the sides, trim them off. Remember to prick the bottom lightly with a fork to help prevent it from bubbling up while baking!
3. Blind Bake the Crust:
Place the crust in the preheated oven and blind bake it for about 8-10 minutes. This helps keep it crispy so it won’t get soggy later. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. If you’re using the optional onion and garlic, toss them in and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the Spinach:
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet and let it cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), salt, pepper, and nutmeg until everything is well combined.
7. Assemble the Quiche:
Evenly spread the diced ham over the pre-baked crust. Then, layer the wilted spinach (and the optional sautéed onion and garlic, if used) on top of the ham. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese over everything.
8. Pour the Egg Mixture:
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the ham, spinach, and cheese in the crust. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
9. Bake the Quiche:
Place your assembled quiche into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden and the center is set. A knife inserted should come out clean when it’s done.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the quiche to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing it into wedges to serve. This makes it easier to cut without falling apart!
Enjoy your hearty Easter Ham and Spinach Quiche, perfect for brunch or any festive meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! Besides Gruyère, Swiss, or cheddar, you can use any cheese you enjoy. Feta, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can add unique flavors to your quiche.
Can I Make the Quiche Without Ham?
Of course! You can skip the ham altogether and enhance the veggie content by adding more spinach or incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a protein boost, consider using beans or tofu.
How Do I Store Leftover Quiche?
Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave it until warmed through. Enjoy it warm for the best taste!
Can I Freeze This Quiche?
Yes! Freeze the cooked quiche by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should stay good for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and enjoy!